The second-generation Audi Q3 (2018-present) is the archetypal car for the modern era.
It’s an SUV, and everyone seems to love those. This is probably because people want to feel like they’re driving an executive-class machine that can also cope with a bit of rough and tumble should a situation arise that requires it, something that the best SUVs for towing are good at.
And if the vehicle can manage to do all of this while exerting a relatively light footprint on the planet, even better.
But ‘light’ and ‘tow car’ are two ideas that are pulling in opposite directions. So does the Audi Q3 manage to draw everything together and offer a capable, cohesive whole for those after a good used tow car?
What’s a used Audi Q3 like inside?
This Mk2 Q3 stacks up well for space against rivals such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.
There’s a reasonable amount of space up front for two adults, while in the back of the car, there’s enough capacity for two adults to sit behind two similarly sized folk up front. This could make it a good choice if you have a caravan for couples and will be touring with (and picking up on the way to the campsite) friends occasionally.
However, the cabin can feel a bit narrow, and there’s a large central transmission tunnel, so a middle passenger in the rear will feel a little ‘short straw’.
The stuff in the boot gets an easier time of things, though, because there are 530 litres of space available when the rear seats are raised, increasing to 1526 litres with them folded, so you get good storage for transporting all of your caravan essentials to the site.
However, where the Audi name used to be synonymous with quality, the Q3 lets the side down a bit.
It feels fine, but there are a few hard plastics around, and the odd creak can be heard.
Still, our preferred Sport spec comes with plenty of standard kit, including LED headlights, climate control and satellite navigation. If you can find a car that’s equipped with the optional Comfort and Sound Pack, it will also come fitted with a rear-view camera, which is a great help when you are reversing up to a caravan.
Don’t forget to make sure you have a pair of the best towing mirrors before you set off either.
How does it drive?
The second-generation Q3 has been available with a number of different petrol engines, and a 2.0-litre diesel in a couple of states of tune.
In reality, the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines will suit tow car buyers best, because they can provide enough torque to make moving a heavy caravan fairly straightforward.
However, it should be borne in mind that the petrol model does like a drink, especially when hitched to a trailer.
Both engines came with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but many owners will have chosen the optional DSG automatic gearbox, which is good news for those who are looking at buying a used car.
When you’re on your own, the Q3 is fairly firm – some rivals have a softer ride.
The steering is light and accurate, but there is also a Drive Select system, which allows you to tailor the weight of the steering and the responsiveness of the accelerator to just how you want it, and if you can find a vehicle with four-wheel drive, that’s even better. Engine and wind noise are kept down, but road noise from the fat tyres can be a little too loud.
Stability is fine, even on blustery days, and the electric parking brake makes hill starts an absolute doddle.
What will a used Audi Q3 tow?
A crucial step of safe towing will be ensuring you’ve got an appropriate car/caravan match. In the case of the Audi Q3:
- Kerbweight: 1695kg
- Towing limit: 2100kg
- Noseweight limit: 90kg
- 85% match: 1441kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 24
- Annual VED: £190
- Average economy: 51.4mpg
- Full service: £167
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk
Audi Q3 Trouble spots
The Q3’s rate of recall is nothing out of the ordinary. Some cars were recalled because the two front seats might not have been bolted to the seat rail correctly.
Then 1762 vehicles were recalled because the plastic trim panel located over the top of the engine could become detached.
A loose bolt on a brake servo rod resulted in 11 cars returning to dealers.
A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
What to pay for a used Audi Q3
Before you start thinking about where to buy a used car, it’s worth knowing what to pay. For a used Audi Q3, we’d say:
- High: price: £45,995; model: 2.0 TDI 40 Black Edition S Tronic quattro; year: 2024; miles: 2000
- Sweet spot: price: £23,500; model: 2.0 TDI 35 Sport quattro; year: 2020; miles: 37,000
- Low: price: £14,495; model: 2.0 TDI 35 Sport quattro; year: 2019; miles: 83,000
The verdict on a used Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 is classy looking, packed with standard kit and reasonable to drive. It’s even pretty good at towing. But while it looks good on the forecourt, there’s little to make you feel brilliant about your purchase six months down the line.
If you’re setting off on tour soon and facing the prospect of a long drive, make sure you know how to tow a caravan long distances safely
Alternatives to consider
Used Volvo XC40 (2017-)
It’s easy to ignore the fact that the XC40 is a comparatively compact SUV, because it’s spacious for four adults and has all the boot space needed for their stuff. The interior is classy, and although the design has been around for more than seven years, it still looks contemporary. It’s well put together, too. The road noise lets it down a bit at speed, but it’s a stable tow car.
Hyundai Tucson (2020-)
The facelifted Tucson is an excellent used tow car. It looks unusual, and most of the powertrains make it a capable towing machine. It’s brisk off the mark and quiet at a cruise, even when towing, while all of the engines and gearboxes give it a good blend of performance and economy. Kit is plentiful, too, with air conditioning, sat nav, cruise control and parking sensor fore and aft.
Mercedes GLA (2020-)
The second-generation GLA made a big step up in SUV-ness compared with its predecessor. It’s taller than the Mk1, with more cabin space. There are a number of engines, but only the range-topping petrols and 220d diesel are available with four-wheel drive, which makes them expensive. An automatic gearbox makes towing easier, as does the electric parking brake.
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